Celebrating 15 Years of Impact: The rTSF 2025 Award Ceremony
It was a day filled with hope, inspiration, and celebration as the Reverend Tony Akinyemi Scholarship Foundation (rTSF) held its 2025 Award Ceremony at The Shepherd’s Flock International Church, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday, 7th September. From heartfelt testimonies to inspiring journeys, the event celebrated the resilience of our scholars and the enduring mission to ensure that no child’s potential is limited by financial hardship
This year, the scale of need was unprecedented. Over 9,000 students applied, a powerful reminder of the challenges families face in keeping their children in school. Rising to meet this challenge, rTSF exceeded its usual quota, awarding 55 new scholarships and bringing the total number of active beneficiaries to 140 scholars.
Inspiring Stories from Our Scholars
The ceremony was a celebration of dreams coming true. New awardees shared heartfelt testimonies, describing how the scholarship would lift heavy financial burdens and allow them to focus fully on their studies.
Among the stories were particularly moving ones: a young girl who lost her mother and is now under the care of her guardian spoke of how rTSF would help her stay in school and pursue her dreams, despite her personal hardships. Another scholar shared how he lost his home as a victim of Boko Haram, yet remained determined to continue his education. These stories highlight the resilience of our students and the critical role rTSF plays in giving them hope and opportunity.
A Vision Remembered and Celebrated
In his address, Engineer Kehinde Osikoya, Chairman of the rTSF Board of Directors, traced the foundation’s vision back to its founder. He reminded the audience of Rev. Tony Akinyemi’s own journey, as a brilliant but indigent student who struggled to complete his education. At his 49th birthday, the Senior Pastor of The Shepherd’s Flock International Church made a heartfelt wish: to give back and create opportunities for others in similar situations.
Engineer Osikoya reflected:
“I am happy to say that we have grown in leaps and bounds. In this current academic session alone, about 140 students are under our scholarship programme. What started from very little beginnings has today become a source of pride and joy.”
He encouraged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunities before them, emphasizing that rTSF’s commitment goes beyond paying tuition fees. The Foundation aims to provide mentorship and guidance, nurturing well-rounded leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society.
Honouring Dedication and Commitment
The ceremony also marked the induction of new honorary board members, recognizing individuals who have shown outstanding dedication to rTSF’s mission. Long-serving board members were celebrated for their tireless work, and renewed commitments were made to expand mentorship and life-skills programmes, ensuring that both current and future scholars receive holistic support.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 15 years of rTSF, we know our work is far from done. For every 140 scholars we currently support, hundreds more await help. The Foundation continues to grow steadily, year by year—but the need grows too.
We invite donors, partners, volunteers, and well-wishers to join us on this journey. Together, we can ensure that no brilliant child is denied the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
The 2025 Award Ceremony was more than an event—it was a celebration of dreams restored, lives transformed, and a future being rebuilt, one scholar at a time.
Watch the full ceremony here and join us in celebrating our scholars’ journeys:
